Grilled Tomahawk Pork Chops are a delectable treat that deserves to be celebrated. With a simple 5-ingredient dry rub and a luscious compound butter, this recipe effortlessly brings a gourmet touch to your dinner table. It’s so easy to make that you can enjoy it any night of the week!
When my husband was craving a hearty meat-and-potatoes dinner, I knew I had to rise to the occasion. Inspired by the beauty and succulence of these tomahawk-style pork chops, I set out to create a recipe that would truly make them shine.
With grilling season in full swing, it only made sense to utilize the quintessential summer appliance. However, I’ve also included instructions for cooking these pork chops in a skillet, so you can enjoy this recipe no matter the time of year. After all, grilling in the rain or brushing snow off the grill isn’t always ideal.
Key Takeaways
Unveiling the Tomahawk Pork Chops
Prepare to be dazzled by these extraordinary bone-in pork chops. What sets them apart is the large rib protruding from the chop, reminiscent of a tomahawk axe. You may have encountered a similar cut with rib eye steak. The chops I discovered are considered “minis” as they weigh only 3/4 lb each. If you opt for a full-sized chop, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
These unique cuts aren’t widely available, but you can try your luck at a specialty butcher or request them to cut tomahawk pork chops for you. And if all else fails, regular bone-in or bone-out pork chops will work just fine. The choice is yours!
To create these mouthwatering grilled tomahawk pork chops, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Pork chops (bone-in or bone-out)
- Salt & pepper
- Chili powder
- Onion powder
- Sugar
Now, let’s dive into the steps:
- Marinate: Combine all the seasoning ingredients and generously rub them over the pork chops on both sides with half the rub. Refrigerate for a couple of hours before grilling to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Prep: Fire up the grill and set the heat to medium (350F°). Take the chops out of the fridge, let them reach room temperature, and pat them dry with paper towels. Reapply the remaining spice rub for an extra burst of flavor.
- Grill: Spray a little cooking oil on the chops and place them on the grill. Cook them on both sides until the internal temperature reaches 145F°-150F°.
- Finish: After grilling, transfer the pork chops to a cutting board and let them rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve them alongside some garlic compound butter, mashed potatoes, and peas.
Cooking Tomahawk Pork Chops in a Skillet
If grilling isn’t an option or you’re simply not in the mood, you can still savor the incredible flavors of these chops by using a skillet. Just follow steps 1 and 2 from the original recipe, and then proceed as follows:
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the pork chops for 4-6 minutes per side until well-seared and reaching an internal temperature of 145F-150F.
- Allow the pork chops to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
For an alternative method, you can also sear the chops in the skillet and then finish cooking them in the oven at 375F for a few extra minutes if the internal temperature isn’t to your liking. This trick works wonders, especially considering the substantial size of tomahawk pork chops.
The Perfect Pairings
To enhance your dining experience, pair these grilled pork chops with delectable sides that complement their flavors. You can take inspiration from the following suggestions:
Salad
- Quinoa Salad
- Chickpea Tomato Salad
- Black Bean Corn Avocado Salad
- Broccoli Salad
Veggies
- Italian Roasted Mushrooms and Veggies
- Oven Roasted Carrots
- Red Wine Mushrooms
- Skillet Green Beans
Potatoes
- Easy Potato Salad
- Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes
- Rosemary Smashed Potatoes
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Chives
Preserving the Goodness
If you find yourself with leftovers, worry not! You can store the pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Alternatively, they can be frozen for 2-3 months. If you choose to freeze them, make sure to thaw the pork chops fully in the fridge before reheating.
Explore More Pork Delights
If you’re passionate about pork, you’ll love experimenting with these other delicious recipes:
- Grilled Pork Chops with Quinoa
- Mustard Balsamic Pork Chops
- Honey Garlic Pork Chops
- Pork Chops with Pistachio Salmuera
- Italian Breaded Pork Chops
- Smothered Pork Chops
- Ranch Pork Chops and Sheet Pan Dinner
- Korean Style Pork Chops
- Pan Seared Pork Chops with Gravy
- Grilled Pork Chops
Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of grilled tomahawk pork chops, and let your taste buds savor the royal treatment they deserve!
For more barbecue inspiration, visit Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ.
